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Holidays

Mentok Kangri

India, Ladakh
1 review
Available Departures: Jul, Aug

21 days from

US$3,130

without flights
Mountaineer
Guided Group
TOUGH TOUGH

Summit 6000m Mentok Kangri above stunning Tso Morari Lake

Trip Code: MTK
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Mentok Kangri

Highlights
  • Views from the Mentoks across the lake of Tso Morari into Tibet
  • Meet and take tea with the nomadic shepherds of the Chang Tang
  • Challenging, but technically undemanding, climbs
  • A real trekking and climbing adventure in Ladakh

At a Glance
  • Group Size 4 to 12
  • 13 days trekking and climbing
  • Max altitude - 6250 metres
  • Join In Delhi

Accommodation & Meals
  • All meals included
  • 6 nights Hotel
  • 14 nights Camping
Overview

Close to Ladakh's eastern border with Tibet, the rarely visited high plains of the Chang Tang are coloured in just a few places by beautiful turquoise lakes, such as Tso Kar and Tso Morari and this exciting trekking and climbing holiday is the perfect way to view this remote and stunning landscape. After acclimatising and sightseeing in Leh, we set off into the heart of this remote area, inhabited during the summer by nomadic herders and by rare animals such as wolf and kiang (wild ass) year-round. After a week of inspirational trekking, we reach the Yalung Naula Pass (5400m) where we get our first views of the 20-kilometre long Tso Morari. Not far from the village of Karzok, we establish a basecamp above the lake at an elevation of 5300 metres and from here set out to climb one or two of the summits of the Mentok Massif, all of which are above 6000 metres. The exact choice of objective and route will depend on conditions at the time. The routes to the summits of the Mentok peaks are generally of a relatively straightforward technical standard on snowslopes and the guides will fix ropes on any steeper  ground we encounter. Any of these peak present an excellent challenge to fit and adventurous trekkers and this holiday is a super trek and climb combination in a special part of the world.

Neither the trek to Tso Morari, nor the climbs on Mentok Kangri are technically very difficult undertakings. However, the high altitudes involved during the trek (between 4500 and 5500 metres) and the climbing above 6000 metres including the use of fixed ropes, does mean that this trip will present a physical challenge to even very fit group members. The lower slopes and approaches to the Mentok peaks are likely to be free of snow during the summer months, but on the upper part of the mountain we will need to use crampons and carry an ice-axe (in addition the KE leader or local climbing staff may fix some sections of rope). It is not necessary to have previous experience of using fixed ropes as the simple techniques will be taught during the preparation for the climbs. However, we recommended that all group members have previous experience of winter hillwalking as well as previous experience of trekking at altitude.

Why KE?

KE are the only UK adventure tour operator trekking to the summit of Mentok Kangri. At 6250m this is an ideal first 6000m peak for those seeking a high altitude adventure! This holiday features a programme designed to ensure ample acclimatisation. 

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Itinerary

Your holiday starts at the hotel in Delhi. Transfers from Delhi Airport are provided. Lunch and an afternoon at leisure at the hotel. Your guide will take dinner with you and will provide an informal briefing about the days ahead.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

L D

After an early breakfast, we return to the airport (this time to the Domestic Terminal) for the early morning internal flight to Leh. The hour long flight is simply spectacular and provides close-up views of the 7000 metre massifs of Nun and Kun. Arriving at Leh (3500m), we drive by jeep to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to either rest in the shade of the hotel courtyard, or for those not phased by their long air journey, there is the option to take a lazy walk into Leh’s colourful bazaar to check out the roadside stalls selling Tibetan artefacts. Flying straight into the high altitude of Leh can take your breath away and it is best to concentrate on acclimatising for the first few days.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

We take it easy today as we begin to get used to the rarefied air of this high and wild territory on the north side of the Indian Himalaya. We take a ride out of Leh following the mighty Indus River for approximately 65km to reach the monastery complex at Alchi. This is reputedly the oldest monastery in Ladakh with parts of the several buildings dating back to the 10th century. The monastery complex is vast and the wood carvings and mandalas (Buddhist paintings) here are fascinating. A slow and steady exploration – exercise without exertion - will do for today. Returning to Leh the rest of the day is free for looking around the bazaar or relaxing at the hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Today, we further our acclimatisation with a jeep drive up to the 5380 metre Khardung La, one of the world’s highest road passes. This high pass in the mountains to the north of Leh leads into the Nubra Valley, which has until recently been closed to foreign visitors. The 2000 metre climb to the pass provides panoramic views of the Zanskar Range beyond the Indus Valley, and towards the Karakoram of Pakistan. After taking tea at the pass, gasping in the thin atmosphere, we return to our hotel in Leh. Those with energy to spare may wish to tackle the climb up to the palace. Modelled on the Potala in Lhasa, the roof of this nine story building is another good viewpoint.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Another day of ‘active’ sightseeing as we visit the area’s most important monasteries at Thikse and Hemis. These monasteries occupy elevated sites and Thikse has an impressive statue of the Matreya Buddha and there are remarkable views from this monastery across the Indus Valley to the peaks of the Stok Range. Visiting Leh’s monasteries always involves climbing up and down long flights of stairs which is all good for our acclimatisation. After our visit to Hemis, the most important of the Indus Valley monasteries and tucked away in a rocky valley, we drive on to Rumtse (4200m), where we set up our first camp.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Between the Leh to Manali road and Tso Morari lies one of the highest plains on earth and after the first couple of days we will be trekking above 4500 metres constantly. This does have an effect on our trekking performance and the several relatively small passes that we cross (they are actually 5000 metre passes, but quite minor in terms of the height gain involved) will feel quite tough. On this first day, we start out with a lovely walk to a camp site just above the summer settlement of Chorten Sumdo. The route takes us through pleasant pastures, with several small river crossings. This is an area much used by nomadic shepherds and we will get used to seeing their tented camps, surrounded by herds of sheep. We set up camp on the pleasant grazing ground of Kyanmer (4615m).

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

400 M

Descent

50 M

Time

6 hrs trekking

Distance

15 KM

The day starts out with a gradual but quite tough climb to the Kyanmer La (5130m), which takes a little over 2 hours from camp. On the way we are likely to see hares, marmots and picas, as well as the elusive Himalayan blue sheep. A recent KE group found the footprints of a snow leopard at this pass. From here, there are spectacular views westwards to the Zanskar range of mountains and also, looking north and east, wide-ranging panoramas across the high plateau of the Chang Tang. We descend on grassy slopes for an hour to Tiri Doksa, a temporary shepherding settlement and then continue to a stream where we take lunch. After lunch, a trek of an hour or so takes us across the Mandalchan La (5216m). We reach our camp at Tisaling (5046m).

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

800 M

Descent

350 M

Time

7 - 8 hrs trekking

Distance

13 KM

From camp, we climb up to the Thasang La (5300m). Excellent views of the lake of Tso Kar (White Lake) below us. We descend steadily and walk across level plains to Phongponagu (4579m) close to the salt lake of Tso Kar. There should be time in the afternoon to explore the lake shore, with a good chance to see kyang (wild ass), marmots and great birdlife, such as bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks on the lake. Tso Kar is a salt water lake and the nomads take this salt across to Tibet for trade.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

300 M

Descent

750 M

Time

7 hrs trekking

Distance

17 KM

Today’s walk is an easy one, along the shore of the lake and then across the open and quite arid Chang Tang plains to a beautiful campsite in the pastures of Nuruchan (4694m). There are usually several nomad camps in this area, with scattered tents, shepherds and their dogs and herds of livestock.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

150 M

Descent

50 M

Time

5 - 6 hrs trekking

Distance

16 KM

On leaving camp, we cross a stream and pass close to a mani wall, sculpted by the Chang Tang herders. We then hike up to the Nuruchan La (4750m), before descending easily to cross another stream and another low pass. In this area, the nomadic herdsmen that we meet are likely to be Tibetan, having been displaced here from the western part of that cross-border territory. We camp at Rachungkaru (4952m) amongst grazing yaks, sheep and pashmina goats. Afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

350 M

Descent

120 M

Time

4 -5 hrs trekking

Distance

10 KM

Today is a fairly long day as we cross 2 passes of above 5000 metres. It takes us around 2 hours to reach the first of these, the Kyamaru La (5400m), where the views extend across a high-level landscape to numerous snow-capped peaks. After a short descent, we climb again to cross the Gyabarma La (5300m), beyond which we descend, cross a stream and reach our camping place in the pastures at Gyabarma (5171m). A wild and remote location.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

700 M

Descent

450 M

Time

8- 9 hrs trekking

Distance

16 KM

We can enjoy sensational views of the stunning lake of Tso Morari, as we reach the top of the Yalung Naula Pass (5400m). Some 20 kilometres long and surrounded by high, snow-capped peaks, Tso Morari is one of the most beautiful lakes imaginable. The approach to the pass is straightforward, but quite long. We descend to Karzok Dok (4632m) on a zig zag path.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

300 M

Descent

800 M

Time

5 - 6 hrs trekking

Distance

15 KM

Today, we hike up to our basecamp area below Mentok Kangri. This approach leads through an open valley and over rounded ridges, on a trail that crosses a mix of open moorland and bouldery moraine. We set up camp at 5300 metres beside a stream.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

650 M

Descent

10 M

Time

5 - 6 hrs trekking

Distance

8 KM

A day to rest at basecamp and make final preparations for the ascent of Mentok Kangri. The group leader and Sherpas may opt to fix ropes today on any steeper sections of the chosen route.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

After an early start, we hike for approximately 2 hours to the glacier where we rope up. Under normal conditions we then ascend the ridge on easy angled snow with the occasional steeper section and a final steepening before the summit. Any steeper sections of the climb will be fixed by our Sherpas. If the weather is good, we will spend some time admiring the fantastic views across the lake to the peak of Lungser Kangri (6666m) and Chamser Kangri and as far as distant Tibet. We descend to basecamp via the same route.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1100 M

Descent

1100 M

Time

10 - 12 hrs trekking

Distance

11 KM

This morning, we will move to a different camp for our second Mentok summit. The afternoon can be spent resting and in preparation for this second climb. If conditions allow, we will relocate to a basecamp at approximately 5500m, below the highest of the Mentok summits (6,250m).

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

After another early start, we again negotiate moraine and boulder fields to the start of our climb of our second Mentok summit. If conditions allow we will follow the ridge of the highest of the Mentok summits. This is mainly straightforward snow slope climbing, although there are some steeper sections and a small rock band to cross where we make us of fixed lines, before reaching a col. From here, we traverse a broad crest overlooking Tso Morari to reach the summit (6250m). A great day’s climbing with fine views. We return to basecamp after a second long day.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Time

10 - 12 hrs trekking

We begin our walk-out with a relatively easy descent to the village of Karzok, which is one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements on Earth. It is scenically located beside Tso Morari at an elevation of over 4500 metres. The afternoon is free to walk by the lakeshore, meet the local people and check out the village and its ancient monastery.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

70 M

Descent

800 M

Time

4 hrs trekking

Distance

8 KM

We will meet our vehicles at Karzok and set off on the 6-hour drive back to Leh. The road is quite rough at first but we travel on an ever improving surface and once we reach the Indus River it's very smooth, making the final part of the journey quite comfortable. There are some great views as we cross the open plain of the Chang Tang and then descend by the (at this point) very small Indus. We will all be pleased to check into the hotel in Leh, get cleaned up and eye up the soft bed before tucking in to a celebratory dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

We have a usually early start and go to the airport to catch our flight to Delhi. Arriving in Delhi, we transfer to our airport-accessible hotel. Depending on the timing of the flight from Leh, it may be possible to include a short sightseeing tour. This will included the Qutab Minar and other Delhi sights which may include Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Lutyens Delhi and Raj Ghat. Alternatively, you may choose to take it easy at the hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Your holiday ends after breakfast. Transfers to Delhi Airport are provided. To extend your holiday in India, why not pre-book a visit to Dharamsala (home of the Dalai Lama), to the Taj Mahal or a longer excursion taking in the whole of India's classic Golden Triangle. Contact our office for details.

Meals

B
Download Trip Notes
The Route
Peaks Peaks
Point Point
Direction Direction
Trek
Transfer

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • Delhi Airport transfers (on group arrival and departure days only)
  • All land transport involved in the itinerary
  • Internal flights
  • All accommodation as described
  • All meals throughout the trip
  • Full trekking service including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)
  • Peak fees and permits

  • Travel insurance
  • Delhi Airport transfers (other than on group arrival and departure days)
  • Indian Visa
  • Tips for trek staff
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.

The group will meet at the hotel in Delhi.

Transfers are provided from/to Delhi Airport for all clients arriving on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary and departing on the last day of the Land Only itinerary.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

All meals are included in the holiday price from lunch on day 1 to Breakfast on day 21.

It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps. If you are on a trekking or cycling holiday, water is supplied to fill up your individual bottles. This will be boiled, filtered or provided in large jerry cans or 5 litre bottles. Additionally you should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water when in towns or where water is not supplied. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

The food served during the trek is a mixture of local and Western, mostly purchased locally and cooked for us by highly trained trek cooks. The emphasis is on providing a high-carbohydrate and largely vegetarian diet, which we have found to be easily digestible at high altitude. In Delhi, we take our meals in the group hotel or in nearby restaurants. All meals while on trek and while staying in hotels are included in the trip price.

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide special diets.  Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your diet with food/snacks from home.  If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice.  Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

On arrival in Delhi and for one night after the trek, we stay at a hotel close to the airport which provides convenient and comfortable accommodation. Being near the airport makes the whole travel experience more relaxing, whilst still allowing us to include a sightseeing city tour. In Leh, we have 4 nights in a good standard of hotel. Whilst on trek there are 14 nights camping. All accommodation is allocated on a twin sharing basis. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. It is possible to hire a single tent while on trek. Depending on availability it may be possible to pre book single rooms For additional hotel prices and single supplement costs please refer to the dates and prices page of the trip on our website.

The group will be accompanied by an experienced, professional leader throughout the trip. During the trek, there will also be a full trek crew, including a local guide or sirdar, a team of Sherpas, a cook and a number of pack-animals and their handlers.

This holiday involves going to very high altitude. During the course of your trip you will be spending many nights above 4000 metres and several nights above 5000 metres. Basecamp is at around 5300 metres. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude on our website which can be viewed via the link below. Unless you have previous experience of sleeping above 4000 metres, you should also consult one of our trekking experts before embarking on this holiday. On this trip we carry a portable altitude chamber (PAC-bag) and/or bottled oxygen for use in emergencies. www.keadventure.com/page/altitude.html

Approximately £200 (or equivalent in Euros / US dollars etc.) changed into local currency, should be allowed for miscellaneous expenses, including porter and trek crew tips (allow approximately £70) and extra drinks, etc. (allow approximately £40). It is not necessary to purchase local currency (Indian Rupees) before you travel. We recommend taking your personal spending money this in cash since you will be changing the majority of this into local currency on the day of arrival, and changing travellers’ cheques can prove time consuming Sterling, US dollars and Euros are readily exchanged in Delhi. Credit cards can be used to purchase many goods in Delhi and are particularly useful for more expensive souvenirs. It is also possible to withdraw cash (rupees only) from ATMs in Delhi and Leh using credit and debit cards.

Tips are the accepted way of saying ‘thank you’ to your local guides and porters. They do not form part of their wages. KE always pays local crews the best rates of pay, no matter what country they are in and any tips they receive are seen as a personal thank you from group members. For our part, we advise local teams that tips are not a duty or a prerequisite but are a bonus and entirely dependent on the service that was given. We recommend that tips are given by the group as a whole rather than individually and as a rough guide we suggest that a contribution of approximately £70 (or equivalent in Euros / US dollars etc.) changed into Indian rupees should provide a good tipping pool for your local staff. Your trek leader will help to coordinate these tips and advise on an appropriate level of tipping for each crew member. At the end of a trek many people also like to donate various items of their equipment to the porters and trek staff who work so hard to make the trip a success. Boots, gloves, hats, scarves and even socks (clean of course) are always warmly received by the porters, many of whom are simple farmers earning extra cash by porterring for trekking groups. Technical clothing and equipment such as head-torches and trekking poles are highly prized by the local guides and camp crews.

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage, which should be a soft and sturdy duffel bag, and a day pack.  Your baggage on trek will be carried by porters or pack animals. The packed weight of your trek bag whilst trekking should be no more than 15kg. Please note that the check-in baggage limit on all internal flights within India is now 15kg with a maximum cabin bagage limit of 7kg and you are responsible for any excess baggage fees that the airline may apply.  From time to time cabin baggage (other than laptops, cameras and valuables) is not allowed on the Leh flight for security reasons.  In this event, the limit for check-in baggage may be increased to 20kg at the discretion of the check-in staff. It is possible to leave travel clothes and any other items not required on trek at the group hotel.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Visa India

Most nationalities, including travellers from the UK, the USA and many European countries can apply for their Indian Visa online through the E-Visa Application process. You must make your application at least four days prior to departure. Please download the detailed information document for details of how to apply for your visa: Visa India PDF

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Zika virus has been confirmed as active in this country. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that transmit ZIKV are unlikely to be found above 2,000m altitude. For more information, visit the website of the National Travel Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk

 

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid.

Malarial prophylaxis is not usually required for trips in the mountains, however if you are visiting rural and remote low lying areas then they might be necessary.

On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.

It makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on a trekking or climbing trip getting some additional exercise. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. For this trip you need to be aerobically fit and also comfortable with walking up to 7 or 8 hours on some days. Previous experience of walking on easy snow slopes wearing crampons is recommended as is previous experience of trekking at altitude (above 5000 metres). We would suggest that you adopt a weekly exercise regime leading up to your trip. Regular hiking in hill country is the best training but jogging, squash and swimming are also good for developing cardio vascular fitness and stamina.

During July and August the temperature in Delhi will be hot (35°C or even a few degrees hotter than this). It will also be humid. On the high plateau of Ladakh, the maximum daytime temperature low down on our trek (and at Leh) will be around 15°C, with night-time lows below 10°C. At our highest camps, the night-time temperature may fall as low as minus 20°C. Climbing on the Mentoks, the temperature will vary from sub-zero in the early morning to 10°C. At high altitude, the sun has a very strong effect and at the height of the day it will feel hotter than the indicated temperatures. Ladakh is not adversely affected by the monsoon and we can usually expect stable, weather. However, mountains do generate their own weather systems and some rain or snowfall cannot be ruled out.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

  • Leh and Trekking in Ladakh. Charlie Loram.

  • Trekking in the Indian Himalaya. Weare. (L.Planet).

  • Ladakh. (Harper Collins India)

  • The Trekkers Handbook. Tom Gilchrist.

  • Ladakh, Crossroads of High Asia. Janet Rizvi.

  • Exploring the Hidden Himalaya. Kapadia and Mehta.

  • Ancient Futures. Helena Norberg-Hodge.

India - 150K Ladakh and Zanskar Tekking Maps. Editions Olizane

This is a very good map in 3 sheets.The south and central sheets cover all the route of this holiday. Get the Northern sheet also if you wish to cover the country up to the Kardung La.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The packed weight of your bag whilst trekking should be no more than 15 kgs. Once on trek, your mountaineering equipment including your mountain boots will be carried separately in a group equipment bag and will not form part of this weight limit. There is a baggage limit on the flight to Leh of 15kg for hold baggage and an additional 7kg for cabin baggage.

You must bring the following items:

  • A photocopy of your travel insurance policy (required by authorities in Leh)

  • Hiking boots

  • Mountaineering boots - see note

  • Climbing helmet
  • Gaiters

  • Trekking trousers

  • Good quality and fully waterproof (Gore-Tex or similar) mountain jacket with hood
  • Good quality (Gore-Tex or similar) overtrousers
  • Thermal baselayer - leggings

  • Thermal baselayer shirts (2 short sleeve, 2 long sleeve)

  • T-shirts or similar

  • Fleece jacket or warm jumper

  • Sunhat

  • Warm hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Thermal gloves or mittens

  • Warm and waterproof gloves or mittens

  • Daypack minimum 40 litres

  • Dry bags(s) for daypack/kitbag contents (to ensure they keep dry)

  • Headtorch and spare batteries

  • Washbag and toiletries

  • Small towel

  • Antibacterial handwash

  • Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)

  • Water bottles 1 Litre x2 (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)

  • Water purification tablets
  • Warm jacket (down)

  •  Sleeping bag (comfort rated -20ºC)*

  • Thermarest or similar sleeping mat*

  • Ice axe *

  • Crampons (preferably with ‘step-in’ bindings and anti-ball plates)*

  • Mountaineering or climbing harness with karabiner*

  • Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), altitude (Diamox), painkillers, plasters, blister treatment, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite)

The following items are optional:

  • Trainers or similar for camp use

  • Spare laces

  • Sleeping bag liner

  • Swimwear (for the brave)

  • Trekking poles (recommended)

  • Camera

  • Pen-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)

  • Pee bottle

  • Ski goggles

  • Travel clothes

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Notes:

Equipment hire: Items marked * can be hired / rented through KE Adventure Travel. Please make all requests at least 6 weeks prior to the trip departure date. All equipment is issued in Leh. Please remember to allow room in your trek bag for these items (note that on trek your mountaineering equipment including mountain boots will be carried separately in communal equipment bags. These will be collected from you at the start of the trek).

Mountaineering boots: Well-insulated single boots designed for Alpine mountaineering (minimum B2 rating) are suitable for departures prior to September. For departures in September or October the low temperatures encountered combined with high altitude mean that double boots with insulated inners are the best to keep your feet warm. These boots are also designed to take step-in crampons, quickly and efficiently. You must make sure that you are suitably equipped for these low temperatures. We recommend you speak to a mountaineering equipment specialist retailer for further advice.

Needle Sports (specialist mountaineering equipment shop):

Needle Sports is the English Lake District's foremost specialist climbing shop supplying mountaineering, rock, ice, alpine and expedition equipment worldwide. Internationally recognised as among the very best of the UK's top technical climbing gear retailers. They have a good range of equipment appropriate for this trip and offer knowledgeable advice both on their website and in store. View >>http://www.needlesports.com/

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
>> Find out more

Extensions

Extension Details

Agra & the Taj Mahal two day tour

2 Days

Our two-day extension is for those who wish to explore  Agra and the surrounding area at a relaxed pace. We start by exploring the oft overlooked Agra Fort, itself an awe-inspiring and magnificent complex of palaces and ancient forts, before waking before the next day to see the sunrise break over the Taj Mahal. Needing little introduction, the Taj Mahal was built by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz. It is widely considered to be the most beautiful building in the world. This tour also gives us an opportunity to explore the fascinating abandoned ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri.

Extension Code: IAT2
Sharing Price from
US$470
Single Traveller Price from
US$765
Single Room Supplement from
US$60
Deposit Per Person from
US$200

Extension Itinerary

KE extension package services begin with a pick up at the hotel. We then depart from Delhi on the early morning express train to Agra. Upon arrival you will have an opportunity to check in to your hotel and settle in. In the afternoon, you will have a guided tour of the magnificent Agra Fort. This red sandstone and white marble fort houses a number of palaces, steeped in lore and history. See the cell where Emperor Shah Jahan was interred, with its desperately sad view towards the Taj Mahal; resting place of his beloved wife.

You will be taken, before the break of dawn, to the Taj Mahal. Seeing the first rays of sunlight hit the ethereally sublime Taj Mahal is an experience that will stay with you forever. You will have time to wander through the beautiful gardens and buildings that surround the mausoleum complex. After our guided tour, we carry on explore the abandoned ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, before driving back to Delhi to either your hotel or directly to the airport where services end. Note: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India (including the Taj Mahal). This organisation will occasionally undertake work to restore the various monuments, but often without notice, so it is difficult to forewarn our customers of this work. It is possible that, at any time, monuments on this trip could be having work done on them.

Meals

B
Whats Included
  • Professional local guide in Agra
  • Monument entrance fees
  • 1 night at Agra hotel on bed and breakfast basis
  • Express train from Delhi to Agra
  • Private vehicle transfer from Agra to Delhi
  • Transfers from Delhi hotel to railway station
  • Transfers once at the Taj Mahal and Agra.
What's Not Included
  • Indian visa if joining from another country
  • Any additional transfers
  • Tips for your guides and drivers
  • Accommodation in Delhi
  • Meals other than breakfast
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc
  • NOTE: THE TAJ MAHAL IS CLOSED ON FRIDAYS
Extension Details

Peaks and Passes of the Nubra Valley

18 Days
  • Explore the monasteries and palaces of Leh, known as Little Tibet.
  • Walk across flower-filled meadows of the Thanglasgo Valley
  • Ascend the non-technical peaks of Samgyal and Dawa 
  • Traverse the Ladakh Range at the Lasermo La (5400m) with far-reaching views
Extension Code: NVP
Sharing Price from
US$2,995

Extension Itinerary

Your holiday starts at the hotel in Delhi. Transfers from Delhi Airport are provided. Lunch and an afternoon at leisure at the hotel. Your guide will take dinner with you and will provide an informal briefing about the days ahead.

Meals

L D

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport and take an early morning flight to Leh. The short journey offers spectacular views across the Himalayas, notably the 7000 metre massifs of Nun and Kun. Leh, known as Little Tibet, lays nestled beneath an imposing old fort and palace. Overlooking the Ladakhi capital, Buddhist monasteries and stupas perch on top of cliffs and ridges. At an elevation of around 3500m, it is important to take it easy and allow for gentle acclimatisation. For those who want to stretch their legs, the colourful bazaars and roadside stalls make for a relaxed afternoon's exploration.

Meals

B L D

To aid our acclimatisation, we have a full day's sightseeing tour of the area surrounding Leh. We visit the Buddhist monasteries and palaces of Shey and Thikse. These photogenic historical monuments are still occupied by orange-clad monks and sprawl across elevated sites with remarkable views across the fertile Indus Valley. Visiting Leh's monasteries always involves climbing up and down long flights of stairs which is all good for our acclimatisation.

Meals

B L D

Starting from the hotel in Changspa, we walk across to the base of the Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda). We have the option to either climb up the long flight of steps leading to the stupa or we can take the more gradual approach on the jeep road. Looking back (from the steps) we can see the whole of Leh town and the Indus Valley beyond. After enjoying the views from the stupa, we follow the road downhill to the stupa gate and continue our walk to Sankar Gompa, a 16th century monastery belonging to the Gelukpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. We then hike up to Tsemo Monastery, founded in 1430 by the King Tashi Namgyal. It has a three-storey high gold painted statue of the Maitreya (future) Buddha. Once again, the views from this place are amazing. The trail then zig-zags down to Leh Palace which is being renovated by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). Leaving the palace, we descend through Leh's old town to arrive at the main baazar.

Meals

B L D

Nearly 2000 metres above Leh is the Khardung La (5370m) one of the world's highest road passes. The exciting drive up to the pass affords us with extraordinary panoramic views across the Indus Valley to the Zanskar Range, with Stok Kangri standing prominently as one of the higher peaks in the range. Dropping down on the north side of the pass, we have views across to the Eastern Karakoram ranges. After approximately 4 hours, we find ourselves in the Nubra Valley where we will stop for lunch at a roadside restaurant before paying a visit to the serene Diskit Monastery. White-painted buildings cling to the ridge above Diskit's pretty patchwork of fields. We continue our drive to the next village of Hundar (3050m). After we've checked into our guesthouse accommodation, we can pay a visit to nearby sand dunes where we can observe shaggy, double-humped Bactrian camels which are native to the steppes of Central Asia and came here thanks to the caravan traffic on the trails on the Silk Road.

Meals

B L D

Hundar and Wacham are connected by a rough 4x4 road, but (after a short initial transfer) we will undertake this journey on foot. Useful for our acclimatisation and fitness, this is a straightforward walk, following the Thanglasgo River, a tributary of the Shyok, as it flows from the upper reaches of the Ladakh range. In clear weather, we will have good views of the snow-capped 6000 metre peaks that guard this valley. Many of these remain unnamed and unclimbed, such is the relative obscurity of this part of the Himalayas. Beyond a bridge, we enter a narrow gorge and start to gain height up to a grazing area on a plateau. Here we will find a group of abandoned shepherds' huts at the enclave of Skarchen (3600m). We carry on a little further and set up our camp at Wacham, near the confluence of two streams.

Meals

B L D

After being awoken in our tents with 'bed tea' and bowls of hot water to wash, we are served a hearty camp breakfast. We then set off along a track, following the river and crossing a wooden bridge before climbing again to the next small community of Dok Yogma, lying at the entrance to the Palzampiu Valley. Contouring the steep hillside we now follow the Palzampiu Togpo River and gain height gradually towards the cluster of peaks. The trail is pretty well defined, as it is used by shepherds taking their animals to the high pastures in the warmer summer months. Crossing pleasant pastureland, we reach an open basin, where we set up our basecamp next to a stream.

Meals

B L D

Having gained a fair bit of height yesterday, it's important that we spend a second night at the same elevation before going any higher to ensure adequate acclimatisation. Our camp is located on an open grassy area beside the Palzampiu Togpo. There are some stone shelters and walled enclosures a short distance away and we are likely to see marmots which live in burrows dug into grassy mounds all around our camp. There are plenty of options for exploration around this excellent camping place and for gentle acclimatisation walks with our guide.

Meals

B L D

Another short but spectacular day of trekking as we approach our objective peaks. We trek up above camp following the river for an hour or so before turning due south alongside a small tributary. Here, we climb more steeply across an open hillside to reach a small top beyond which the angle eases and we soon reach the site of our high camp (5150m) close to the terminal moraine of Samgyal Peak's glacier. At the head of this valley there is an impressive peak (6060m) with a clean rock face and several rocky pillars that dominate our view. Samgyal Peak, cloaked by its glacier, is situated to the north-east (to our left) of this peak. We reach high camp by lunchtime and have plenty of time to rest and to make preparation for the climb in the morning. Looking out from our camp we can see a number of nearby snow-capped peaks and, more distantly, the mountains of the Eastern Karakoram.

Meals

B L D

We will be up early, hours before dawn, before wolfing down a simple breakfast of tea and porridge and setting off, lighting our way with head-torches. There's no rush today and we will take it easy as we make our approach to the mountain, initially across rough moraine and then up to a ridge which we follow to reach the glacier after around 2 hours. Here, we put on our crampons and set out very straightforwardly across the low angle glacier. There's usually no need to rope up, although as the climb steepens a little towards the top the guide will review this decision. The climb is continuous but gradual and we should be on the top 5 hours after leaving camp. After spending some time enjoying the spectacular views in the light of early morning, we set off back down. We will be back at camp in time for lunch and plenty of tea. The rest of the afternoon is free to rest and recuperate at our base camp.

Meals

B L D

Today has been planned into the itinerary as a contingency day. If everything has gone to plan so far, those who are up for a second challenge can opt to climb Dawa Peak (5900m). This peak, which is not dissimilar to Samgyal Peak, lies on the right shoulder of a central 6060 metre rock peak and is clearly visible from our high camp. Once again, we will have a very early start and this time trek down to cross the stream before ascending across a scree slope for about 30 minutes. From here, it's a more gradual climb across moraine and loose rocks for about an hour to reach the glacier. The route across the glacier traverses to the right and then zig-zags across snow and rock to reach the summit. Five hours after leaving camp, we should be at the top and we will descend via the same route to high camp.

Meals

B L D

Today, we backtrack to the main valley at Dok Yogma and from there turn to head upstream beside the Thanglasgo River. After a couple of hours of very pleasant trekking up the valley floor, we reach the upper village of Dok Gogma (4020m), where there are about 20 households. We set up camp on a pleasant meadow site next to the river. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and perhaps interact with the people of Dok Gogma. Visitors here are an extremely rare phenomenon and our arrival will cause much interest and a thoroughly warm reception.

Meals

B L D

We are spoiled with another great day of trekking through this high and wild landscape. We continue to follow the river upstream, following towards its source through scenic pastures carpeted with wild flowers. During the summer months, shepherds bring their sheep, yaks and dzos (a yak-cow cross) to these high pastures and we come across their temporary summer huts. There is a tradition that each summer only 2 or 3 families from Dok Gogma watch over all of the animals from the village. Whilst here, they busy themselves by making cheese and butter for the villagers. They stay here until late August or early September, before returning to the lower village for the upcoming harvest season. We eventually reach our camp, situated in a beautiful spot on the banks of a river at the head of the valley.

Meals

B L D

Continuing our gradual ascent beside the river, we pass more temporary huts and pens. The valley is quite wide and we can see for a good distance in both directions. Ahead of us, we can almost make out the Lasermo La on the high skyline. The trail is quite well defined as it passes through huge patches of pastureland dotted with yaks and dzos. There are snow-capped peaks on both sides of the valley, providing a stunning backdrop for our walk. The trail underfoot is mostly gentle throughout with small undulating sections in between. Nearing the pass, we come across an expansive meadow area, sometimes used as the approach camp for the pass. However, we are pretty well acclimatised now and continue across a small scree slope to reach our camp.

Meals

B L D

Leaving our camp early again (firm snow conditions make life easier for our pack-horses) we make the 2 to 3 hour ascent to the pass across scree and across the remnant snow patches which linger throughout the year on this north side of the crest. At the pass we are rewarded with excellent views of the Karakoram and (in the other direction, to the north) the Zanskar range of mountains. There is an accessible viewpoint above the pass which offers an even better perspective, including a view of Stok Kangri. From the pass we descend down into the Phyang Valley to our camping place at 4550 metres above the village of Phyang.

Meals

B L D

We enjoy a short and easy morning of trekking, accompanied by fabulous views of Stok Kangri once again, as we descend through the pastures of Morubuk to the roadhead in the Phyang Valley, at a little over 4000 metres elevation. Here, we meet our 4WD transport and drive through the village of Phyang, stopping to visit the photogenic monastery, before continuing to Leh in less than an hour's drive. We have lunch in Leh and the afternoon is free to relax and explore Leh.

Meals

B L D

We have a usually early start and go to the airport to catch our flight back to Delhi. Arriving in Delhi, we transfer to our airport-accessible hotel. In the afternoon, there is the option of independent sightseeing or you may choose to simply take it easy at the hotel.

Meals

B L D

Your holiday ends after breakfast. Transfers to Delhi Airport are provided. To extend your holiday in India, why not pre-book a visit to Dharamsala (home of the Dalai Lama), to the Taj Mahal or a longer excursion taking in the whole of India's classic Golden Triangle. Contact our office for details.

Meals

B
Whats Included
  • A professional English-speaking mountain leader
  • Delhi Airport transfers (on group arrival and departure days only)
  • All land transport involved in the itinerary
  • Internal flights - Delhi-Leh and Leh-Delhi
  • All accommodation as described
  • All meals throughout the trip
  • Full trekking service including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)
What's Not Included
  • Travel insurance
  • Delhi Airport transfers (other than on group arrival and departure days)
  • Indian Visa
  • Tips for trek staff
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.
Extension Details

Agra and Jaipur four day extension

4 Days

The Golden Triangle needs little introduction and is rightly considered a classic trip in its own right. Easily accessible from Delhi, this excursion takes in the wonders of the magestic Agra Fort, the incomparable Taj Mahal, the abandoned ghost-city of Fatehpur Sikri and the architectural jewels of Jaipur and Amber. This four day trip ensures you get the most out of these stunning attractions at a relaxed and unhurried pace.

Extension Code: IAJ4
Sharing Price from
US$735
Single Traveller Price from
US$1,275
Single Room Supplement from
US$175
Deposit Per Person from
US$200

Extension Itinerary

KE extension package services begin with a pick-up at the hotel at 0930 hrs. Your private vehicle will transfer you to Agra. Upon arrival you will have an opportunity to check in to your hotel and settle in. In the afternoon, you will have a guided tour of the magnificent Agra Fort. This red sandstone and white marble fort houses a number of palaces, steeped in lore and history. See the cell where Emperor Shah Jahan was interred, with its desperately sad view towards the Taj Mahal, resting place of his beloved wife. Note: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India (including the Taj Mahal). This organisation will occasionally undertake work to restore the various monuments, but often without notice, so it is difficult to forewarn our customers of this work. It is possible that, at any time, monuments on this trip could be having work done on them.

Meals

B

You will be taken before the break of dawn to the Taj Mahal. Seeing the first rays of sunlight hit the ethereally sublimeTaj Mahal is an experierence that will stay with you for ever. You will have time to wander through the beautiful gardens and buildings that surround the mausoleum complex. After our guided tour we carry on explore the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, former seat of the Mughal Empire, before continuing to Jaipur, the capital of Rajisthan.

Meals

B

Today you will have a full day of sight-seeing. You will visit the Hawa Mahal, otherwise known as the Palace of the Wind and the City Palace, full of incredible artifacts. Later you will drive out of Jaipur to visit the Amber Fort, perched high in the hills. The palace here is full of stunning rooms, including the Hall of Mirrors. After taking in the incredible views across the hills, you return to Jaipur.

Meals

B

After breakfast you will be set off in your private vehicle to Delhi, and delivered to either your hotel or the airport for your departure.

Meals

B
Whats Included
  • Hotels in Agra and Jaipur
  • Breakfast on each day
  • Monument entrance fees
  • English speaking guide at each monument
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
  • All taxes
What's Not Included
  • Lunches
  • dinners and drinks
  • Tips for your guide and driver
Extension Details

One day tour of Agra and the Taj Mahal

1 Day

The Taj Mahal needs little introduction. Built by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz, it is widely considered to be the most beautiful building in the world. Nearby is the oft overlooked Agra Fort, itself an awe-inspiring and magnificent complex of palaces and ancient forts. Traveling from Delhi on the express train and returning by private vehicle, our one-day extension to Agra is perfect for those with limited time who wish to complete their India experience with exploring one of the most admired and loved buildings on the planet.

 

Extension Code: IAT1
Sharing Price from
US$290
Single Traveller Price from
US$465
Deposit Per Person from
US$200

Extension Itinerary

KE extension package services begin with a pick up at the hotel. You will then depart from Delhi on the early morning express train to Agra. Upon arrival, you will have a guided tour of the magnificent Agra Fort. This red sandstone and white marble fort houses a number of palaces, steeped in lore and history. You can visit the ornate cell where Emperor Shah Jahan was interred, with its desperately sad view towards the Taj Mahal; resting place of his beloved wife. Afterwards, you will visit the ethereally sublime Taj Mahal, an experience that will stay with you forever. You will have time to wander through the beautiful gardens and buildings that surround the mausoleum complex. After this incredible tour you will then be transferred by a private vehicle back to Delhi, to either your hotel or directly to the airport where services end. Note: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India (including the Taj Mahal). This organisation will occasionally undertake work to restore the various monuments, but often without notice, so it is difficult to forewarn our customers of this work. It is possible that, at any time, monuments on this trip could be having work done on them.

Whats Included
  • Professional local guide at the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
  • Monument entrance fees to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
  • Express train from Delhi to Agra
  • Private vehicle transport in Agra
  • Private vehicle transfer from Agra to Delhi
  • Transfers from Delhi hotel to railway station
What's Not Included
  • Indian visa if joining from another country
  • Any additional transfers
  • Tips for your guides and drivers
  • Accommodation in Delhi
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.
Extension Details

Dharamsala and the Dalai Lama

4 Days
Dharamsala is a former British Raj hill-station in the Dhaula Dhar mountain range and currently home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in exile. On this four day extension, you will be able to sample a flavour of life in Tibet and enjoy visits to the Dalai Lama’s temple complex; the Norbulingka Institute; the Tibetan children’s village and visit a local Gaddi Tribal village to experience the life of the people who traditionally inhabit the lower reaches of the Dhaula Dhar.
Extension Code: IDS4

Extension Itinerary

Fly to Dharamsala Airport and transfer (14 kms - 20 minutes) to Dharamsala, an early nineteenth century British Raj hill station, now famous for being the home of the Tibetan Government in exile and home to the Dalai Lama. We check in at our hotel in upper Dharamsala, the village known as McLeodganj which exhibits a strong Tibetan influence with monasteries, Tibetan restaurants and shops. Free time.

Meals

L D

Today we visit the Dalai Lama's temple to see some of the Tibetan monks performing a puja. After lunch we will visit the nearby Tibetan Children's Village which houses orphans and ensures they are provided with an education, clothes, food and healthcare. Later we will visit the Norbulingka Institute, a registered trust chaired by the Dalai Lama dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture.

Meals

B L D

Transfer to the Gaddi village of Naddi (1900m) offering views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. Visit a local house and walk to the Buddhist stupa and Tibetan monks meditation huts. Take lunch on low Tibetan tables with sensational mountain views. Short walk to Bagsu Nag village for chai in a local restaurant before returning to our hotel.

Meals

B L D

After breakfast, you will be taken back to Dharamsala Airport to catch your return flight to Delhi. Services end on arrival in Delhi.

Meals

B
Whats Included
  • Transfer to Delhi Airport on Day 1
  • Internal flights Delhi to Dharamsala return
  • Dharamsala Airport transfers
  • 3 nights accommodation in Dharamsala
  • Guided sightseeing on Days 2 and 3
  • Entrance fees at temples etc
  • All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4
What's Not Included
  • Miscellaneous personal expenses such as souvenirs and soft drinks
  • Tips for local staff
  • FAMILY / GROUP PRICES: Please contact KE for prices

Reviews

5 out of 5 from 1 review

A genuine five star adventure in a very beautiful part of the world ★★★★★

The key to this trip was acclimatisation; three nights in the (excellent) hotel in Leh (at 3,500 m - views of Stok Kangri from the bed), followed by a ten day approach to base camp, fitted the bill. The approach trek was always interesting, even when raining. Tent excellent (a single tent definitely worth the extra). Food excellent - and importantly, plenty of it - everything from curries to pizza to an amazing facsimile of a Scotch egg. Always fantastic flat breads. Even a celebratory cake. Pan cakes and eggs for a typical breakfast. And/or porridge. We even (thanks to Rigzin, our guide) had, on occasion, real espresso coffee...(half a litre of espresso and a boiled egg were just the thing for a successful summit). After four days at base camp - blessed with perfect weather - and two 6000 metre summits in the bag, we descend down to Karzok, on the shores of the Tso Moriri, and a final night's camping. We are a day ahead of schedule and Rigzin goes the extra mile to bring forward our transport to Leh by a day (no easy thing, involving him having to get a phone signal - half way up another mountain). After an exciting eight hour drive following the Indus, mostly spent overtaking the Indian army's entire Northern Command's mechanized infantry, we reach Leh. The extra day here giving time to enjoy Yama Coffee House, postcard writing etc, and to pack for the flight to Delhi. A massive thanks to Rigzin Tsewang - in short, he made sure that each member of the group got absolutely the best possible experience from the trip.
By Peter Stevenage | 03 September 2022

Traveller Reviews
5 out of 5 from 1 review

A genuine five star adventure in a very beautiful part of the world
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The key to this trip was acclimatisation; three nights in the (excellent) hotel in Leh (at 3,500 m - views of Stok Kangri from the bed), followed by a ten day approach to base camp, fitted the bill. The approach trek was always interesting, even when raining. Tent excellent (a single tent definitely worth the extra). Food excellent - and importantly, plenty of it - everything from curries to pizza to an amazing facsimile of a Scotch egg. Always fantastic flat breads. Even a celebratory cake. Pan cakes and eggs for a typical breakfast. And/or porridge. We even (thanks to Rigzin, our guide) had, on occasion, real espresso coffee...(half a litre of espresso and a boiled egg were just the thing for a successful summit). After four days at base camp - blessed with perfect weather - and two 6000 metre summits in the bag, we descend down to Karzok, on the shores of the Tso Moriri, and a final night's camping. We are a day ahead of schedule and Rigzin goes the extra mile to bring forward our transport to Leh by a day (no easy thing, involving him having to get a phone signal - half way up another mountain). After an exciting eight hour drive following the Indus, mostly spent overtaking the Indian army's entire Northern Command's mechanized infantry, we reach Leh. The extra day here giving time to enjoy Yama Coffee House, postcard writing etc, and to pack for the flight to Delhi. A massive thanks to Rigzin Tsewang - in short, he made sure that each member of the group got absolutely the best possible experience from the trip.
By Peter Stevenage | 03 September 2022

DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

2024

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Mentok Kangri
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: MTK /02/24/
  • This trip begins on Sun 4 Aug and ends on Sat 24 Aug
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$900
  • Single Supplement Price: US$460 - Includes all group hotel and lodge nights.
  • Single Tent Upgrade: US$175
  • Download Trip Notes

2025

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Mentok Kangri
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: MTK /01/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 13 Jul and ends on Sat 2 Aug
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$900
  • Single Supplement Price: US$460 - Includes all group hotel and lodge nights.
  • Single Tent Upgrade: US$175
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Mentok Kangri
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: MTK /02/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 3 Aug and ends on Sat 23 Aug
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$900
  • Single Supplement Price: US$460 - Includes all group hotel and lodge nights.
  • Single Tent Upgrade: US$175
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary starting at the hotel in Delhi. Transfers are provided from/to Delhi Airport for all clients arriving on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary and departing on the last day of the Land Only itinerary.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE


Changes to flights

Please be aware that the flight industry is experiencing a high level of service fluctuation and changes to your flights may occur. This may also require amends to the transfers and joining arrangements. Thank you all for continuing your patience and understanding.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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